North Korea: UN passes new sanctions September 11 /update 1

Event

The United Nations Security Council unanimously backed further sanctions on North Korea on Monday, September 11, banning textile exports and restricting shipments of oil products. These intensified sanctions come after Pyongyang’s sixth and largest ever nuclear test on September 3. The resolution was toned down to secure backing from China and Russia, Pyongyang’s allies. Initially, Washington asked for a full oil embargo and a freeze on the foreign assets of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The sanctions were met with anger from North Korea, which stated that it would “absolutely make sure that the US pays due price.” In addition to further geopolitical tensions between North Korea and the US, as well as their respective regional allies, the international community fears a retaliatory intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch in the coming days.

Context

Textile exports are a significant source of income for North Korea, the country’s second-biggest export, worth more than USD 700 million a year.

North Korean state media reported that the country successfully tested a hydrogen thermonuclear bomb on September 3. The nuclear test was estimated by South Korea's weather agency to comprise a blast yield of at least 50-60 kilotons, roughly five to six times stronger than North Korea's fifth test in September 2016. The test, conducted underground, resulted in a 6.3-magnitude earthquake and immediately drew the ire of the international community. South Korea's army and air force conducted live-fire exercises in response. Both US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un resorted to tough rhetoric, after having mutually threatened each other in recent months.

Advice

Individuals in East Asia and Oceania are advised to follow any instructions provided by local authorities and to monitor developments to the situation.